Background:

Systemic sclerosis-associated gastrointestinal tract involvement (SSc-GIT) is an important predictor of depressive symptoms. UCLA Scleroderma Clinical trial Consortium Gastrointestinal tract 2.0 (UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0) is a 34 item instrument that captures GIT symptom severity and impact on quality of life. This instrument is feasible, reliable and valid. It has seven scalesreflux, distension/bloating, diarrhea, fecal soilage, constipation, emotional well-being and social functioning and a total GIT score.

Objective:

To assess 1) whether there is an association between depressed mood with GI symptoms as assessed by the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 instrument, and 2) to explore which GI specific symptom scales are associated with depressed mood in patients with SSc.

Methods:

152 patients with SSc completed the UCLA SCTC GIT 2.0 and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression scale (CES-D 10; 030). Patients were divided into depressed (CES-D >= 10) or non-depressed group (CES-D < 10) and compared using t-test or Chi-Square test. Multiple linear regression was used to determine associations between GI scales and depressed mood (CES-D).

Conclusion:

SSc-GIT involvement is associated with depressed mood. Reflux and constipation scales of UCLA-SCTC GIT 2.0 were independently associated with CES-D. Future studies should assess if treatment of GIT symptoms will improve depressed mood in patients with SSc-GIT.